Are you happy with the way your city spends your money? How many large cities are trying to install light rail systems for hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars? Cities of all sizes are constructing walking trails. Then there are transportation services that cost more per passenger than were the city to hire a taxicab. And while they’re at it, perhaps the purchase of an exotic new animal for the local zoo is in order. Then there’s Ann Arbor, Michigan where 1% of public building projects shall be set aside (up to $250,000) for public art. Ann Arbor’s not alone. I’m willing to bet that there are countless stories of cities spending money on art.

Sure, some of these expenditures may enhance the livability of our cities and towns. However, my beef is with the priorities or lack thereof. Is every stoplight in your town properly synchronized? Is every pothole filled? Does every streetlight burn? What sort of shape are your sewers in? Are your taxes low? How’s the crime rate? Would a few more police officers help?

For some reason elected officials in many cities seem to forget what the voters put them in office to do . . . and that is provide good quality basic services at the lowest possible cost. No frills. No B.S. No excuses. Instead, these “officials” attend municipal conferences and learn about new ways to spend money. They read “high-level” research reports and learn about new ways to spend money. And they get invited to fancy parties where people whisper “ideas” into their ears about new ways to spend money.

Somewhere along the line our city fathers have lost their way (and their sanity). Those of you who want a bike path – ante up and build one yourselves. Those of you who want a midnight basketball program – cough up and pay for it yourselves. Those of you who want to install wireless Internet service that is provided free of charge to the entire city – open your wallet and pay for it yourselves. I’m fed up with waiting at traffic lights when not another car is within two blocks because rather than installing smart lights some numbnuts chose to spend money on a float for a parade instead. Throw the bums out! Every single one of them.